The Australian Koala Foundation was reported in the Sydney Morning Herald as saying its research showed the furry icons were suffering from urban development and climate change, and that the Federal Government should list the species as vulnerable. Their figures point to a steep decline since the previous national estimate in 2003.

Spokesperson for the Bonny Hills Community Koala Watch group, Penny Marshall, said “This acutely highlights the importance of community groups such as ours keeping a record of koala numbers and behaviour in our local areas, so we can better protect them from threats such as loss of habitat to urban development, diseases and attacks by dogs”

The Bonny Hills community will conduct its sixth annual koala census this Thursday, November 19th. All residents are asked to keep a good look out for koalas, particularly on that afternoon between 4 and 7pm, and report any sightings. Mrs Marshall said “People are asked to record the address or location where any koala has been seen during those hours, the time of sighting, and any observations, such as if the animal is ear tagged (which ear, and what colour tag); if the animal seems to be a fully grown adult, or a joey, and if it appears to be in good health. If you can see a dark brown streak on the koala’s chest, this will be the scent gland of the male, which he uses to mark trees.”

Reports of koala sightings can be made by email to the Bonny Hills Progress Association (bhpa@bonnyhills.org.au), by letter c/ PO Box 44, Bonny Hills, or by phone to Penny on 6586 3294. “All records are helpful, not only those on the day of our census”, she said. “We have heard from quite a few people just this month as the koalas are really on the move looking for mates, with the previous year’s joeys becoming more independent. Reports have come from various parts of the Bonny Hills village as well as the Bonny View area.